Trending Now: Fashion-Forward Rainbow Bags That Will Make You Smile

Posted on September 5, 2016 by Trends & Tribulations

It is easy to opt for neutrals when picking out outfits, but adding a pop of color always makes outfits more fun. It can be even more fun to add a bunch of colors, all at one time (especially when you actually manage to pull it off!). Check out these fashion-forward rainbow hued bags that will easily brighten up your Labor day.

1.

MILLY Rainbow Box Clutch, $295, via Bloomingdales

2.

Elena Ghisellini Selina Rainbow Clutch Bag, $830.00, via Neiman Marcus

3.

Superdry Rainbow Alumni Bag, $54.50, via Superdry

4.

Current Mood Over the Rainbow Bag, $30, via DollsKill

5.

Red Valentino Rainbow Lips Leather Bag, $695, via Luisaviaroma

6.

Sara Battaglia rainbow leather clutch, ~~was $955~~ now $344, via MatchesFashion

7.

Les Petits Joueurs Janis Micro Rainbow Mini Clutch, $640, via Neiman Marcus

8.

Moschino Shoulder Bag, $1,650, via Shopbop

9.

Anya Hindmarch Ebury Maxi Rainbow bag, $2,045, via Monnier Freres

10.

Sarah’s Bag Pop Pill bead-embellished box clutch, ~~was $713~~ now $356, via MatchesFashion

What do you think of these rainbow colored bags? How would you style them?

xoxo

SHOE PORN THURSDAY: Nicholas Kirkwood

Posted on August 25, 2016 by Trends & Tribulations

Nicholas Kirkwood is one of my favorite designers, and Pac Man is one of my absolute favorite arcade games. So, when I came across these ‘Eden Pacman‘ heels by Nicholas Kirkwood, naturally, it was love at first sight.

Check out these beauties below. These would look amazing paired with straight-leg, high-waisted trousers (preferably in the colors red, yellow, or blue) and a chic black cropped sweater.

Nicholas Kirkwood ‘Eden Pacman’ pumps, $686.16

What do you think of these heels? How would you style them?

Trending Now: The Boho Look

Posted on October 26, 2015 by Trends & Tribulations

Boho chic is once again one of the leading fashion styles of the season. Drawing influences from unconventional bohemian lifestyle on the one hand, and hippie subculture on the other, this fabulous trend has to be your choice for this autumn. However, if you are not quite sure how to achieve this kind of look, we are here to help you. Here is an essential style guide with some useful tips concerning this fashion style.

Style Roots

Boho chic is once again one of the leading fashion styles of the season. Drawing influences from unconventional bohemian lifestyle on the one hand, and hippie subculture on the other, this fabulous trend has to be your choice for this autumn. However, if you are not quite sure how to achieve this kind of look, we are here to help you. Here is an essential style guide with some useful tips concerning this fashion style.

Fashion Inspirations

This amazing style is a throwback to the 1970’s, being an inspiring combination of characteristic shapes and fabrics embodied in flared jeans, bell sleeves, culottes, fringes, suede dresses and many others. Even though it was fairly popular back in the 70’s, it actually reached its peak in 2005. Kate Moss, Sienna Miller, and Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen largely contributed to the popularization of this specific style. They introduced oversized tunics and dresses, peasant blouses, maxi skirts, and fringed jackets, and we have those lovely ladies to thank for bringing this trend into the mainstream. This season, many designers recognized the beauty in this style, and chose to incorporate it into their collections. Stella McCartney’s larger than life flared pants, Alexander McQueen’s extraordinary boho floral dresses, Asian-influences at Marchesa, and Marc Jacobs’ woven hobo bags with fringes are true representatives of this free-spirited style.

Ethnic Influences

Wearing bohemian clothes means connecting with nature as well as with other cultures which influenced this style. It is present everywhere, from runway to high street fashion, which is why it became so trendy and available to everyone. The most prominent elements of this style are related to ethnicity, because designers are drawing their inspiration from the distant cultures of Africa and Asia. In this way, they are creating unique pieces of clothing that are indeed a form of art, but which can be combined with basics such as jeans or classic trousers. If ethnic wear is your cup of tea, the possibilities are infinite. There is a wonderful variety of Salwar suits for true fans of Indian ethnic wear. You can choose them in accordance with your favorite colors, and be sure that gorgeous embroidery will blow you away. Of course, jewelry is unavoidable when it comes to this style, and the rule is – go big or go home!

Layering jewelry is key to achieving a boho look. Image via Pinterest

How To Achieve the Boho Look?

Vintage accessories and flowy clothes are a basis for this look.

Beauty:

To achieve the look with your make-up, choose natural make-up and relaxed, beach waves for hair.

Clothing:

When it comes to fabrics, with the bohemian style, anything goes – there is everything from cotton, leather, suede, linen, and (faux) fur pieces. Make sure that you have chosen items in natural colors, such as beige or white, so you could pair them up with other patterned items.

Patterns & Prints:

A wide range of patterns is allowed, from floral to more abstract and ethnic-inspired ones. Lace dresses, as well as crocheted blouses and tops are an absolute must-have when it comes to boho look. Accessorize yourself with fringes and beads and you are halfway there.

Bohemian Color Palette:

via TheChicFashionista

Boho style is all about comfort, which is why it is characterized by oversized clothes, often worn in layers. A great option would be to try combining skinny jeans with a flowy, floral blouse and a fringed vest for a gorgeous & easy look.

As you can see, this fashion style is beyond inspirational and it allows for playful exploration with clothes and patterns. This is exactly why many people would agree that boho is a state of mind, and not just a trend in fashion that will pass sooner or later. No matter how you perceive it, boho chic is a style that is worthwhile, simply because it survived and remained popular throughout many decades of confronting with different trends in fashion.

About the Guest Blogger:

Peter is a fashion stylist and a writer for HighStyleLife magazine located in Brisbane, Australia. After graduating from Australian Institute Of Creative Design, he worked as a style assistant for many local fashion events. Combining all his skills and experience along with his complete love for fashion, he is planning to launch independent styling company.

xo, darlings

SHOE PORN THURSDAY: J. W. Anderson

Posted on October 22, 2015 by Trends & Tribulations

J. W. Anderson was nominated for the Womenswear & Menswear Designer of the Year by British Fashion Awards earlier this week, penning him against the likes of Victoria Beckham and Christopher Kane. He couldn’t be more deserving of this award, with his innovative and unique designs in both the men’s and women’s sector of fashion. Check out these loafers created with suede, leather, and a varnished, marbled effect on the heel.

J. W. Anderson Loafers, $1,310

Style ’em with cropped, frayed denim & a lacey blouse, and fringed cape for a full on 70’s boho chic look.

Would you wear these loafers? If so, what would you pair them with?

xo, lovelies

SHOE PORN THURSDAY: Tom Ford

Posted on October 1, 2015 by Trends & Tribulations

Tom Ford is, and always will be, the sexiest designer known to the fashion industry to date. He proves this time and time again, and honestly, the fact that he is able to make a pair of denim boots sultry is only further evidence. These patchwork denim and leather knee boots from his Fall 2015 runway collection are a perfect blend of bohemian and badass.

Tom Ford Patchwork denim and leather knee boots, $2,690

Pair them with a chambray button-down & slit maxi skirt, as seen in the photo below, or with a leather ensemble for a night out.

What do you think of these denim boots? How would you style them?

xo, loves

The Long Awaited Bucket Hat Comeback

Posted on September 15, 2015 by Trends & Tribulations

BCBG Max Azria Spring/Summer 2016 Runway, via the ManRepeller

There’s really no easy way to say this, so I guess I’ll just get on with it… As many of you witnessed at NYFW, the bucket hat is back. And BCBG really wants to make sure you are aware, as every model at the Spring/Summer 2016 show in New York adorned one of the 90’s inspired floppy, patchwork hats.

Anyway, I think it’s safe to say, the real question on everyone’s minds is: Where can I score one a pair of mohawk headphones from the Desigual show? Sigh.

Mohawk Headphones from Desigual’s SS16 NYFW show

Really though, the bucket hats can’t come as too much of a surprise, considering the 90’s are (and have been back) in full force over the last few years. Since you might as well give into the throwback Sugar Ray-inspired fashion trend, here’s some picks to shop below.

Ashley Williams shearling bucket hat, $545.37, via FarFetch

Hat Attack Washed Cotton Bucket Hat
$42.00, via ShopBop

Keds® Patterned Reversible Bucket Hat, $33, via JCPenney

Bleu De Paname Denim Hat, $63.26, via FarFetch

Quick side note: BCBG had an amazing playlist. Like “almost forgivable for bringing back the bucket hat trend” -kinda good. I digress…

Bucket Hat, $35, via DollsKill

What do you think of the comeback of bucket hats? Will you wear the trend?

Can Flip-Flops Be High Fashion?

Posted on September 7, 2015 by Trends & Tribulations

Charlotte Olympia Teams Up With Havaianas To Create Fashionable Flip-Flops

What is it about the (unofficial) national sandals of Brazil that designers and fashion insiders alike love so much? This upcoming collab is one of my favorites: Charlotte Olympia teams up with Havaianas to create perhaps the most fashionable flip-flop ever. The Spring/Summer 2016 collection will debut this upcoming February after a preview at Milan Fashion Week this September.

The collection will include 3 flip flop styles and a beach towel. The best part? You can snag a pair for only about $40, rather than the usual high price tag for Charlotte Olympia shoes. The collection is inspired by her signature kitty motifs, retro pin-up style, and, of course, her quirky, tongue-in-cheek attitude.

The designer, Charlotte Dellal, is daughter to Brazilian model Andrea Dellal, which may have contributed to one of the reasons for the collab.

Brazilian model Andrea Dellal with designer daughter Charlotte Dellal, via StreetPeeper

What do you think of Havaianas? Will you be shopping this collection?

SHOE PORN THURSDAY: Francesco Russo

Posted on September 3, 2015 by Trends & Tribulations

Animal prints have never really been my thing. I blame all of the zebra prints I saw growing up that made adults look larger than life (such an unforgiving print, sigh…). However, in the last few years, snakeskin and crocodile prints have been quickly crept into my life and I can’t pretend I’m not absolutely obsessed. On that note, leopard print has also quickly become a guilty pleasure of mine. I love, love, love leopard print & Louboutin red mixed together, along with deep, ruby reds and burgundies. Of course, you can’t go wrong with leopard print and black, and, as our dear fashion icon Kate Moss has shown us over the years, it always looks badass.

Francesco Russo fur detail leopard print sandals, $1,635.00

Enter, these Francesco Russo fur detail leopard print sandals, shown above. With an adorable fur mohawk on the heel, these are a perfect sandal to transition into the fall with. Match ’em with a pair of baggy athletic harem pants, and maybe this adorable Salvatore Ferragamo Sofia satchel (if you really want to go above and beyond).

What do you think of these leopard print sandals? Do you wear animal prints?

SHOE PORN THURSDAY: Rochas

Posted on August 27, 2015 by Trends & Tribulations

There is something utterly girly and adorable about pom-pons and fringe that gets me all nostalgic about my adolescent days of riding around in a colorful bicycle with hot pink, glittery pom-poms on the handlebars. So, naturally, when I came across these Rochas Fringed Sling-Back Pumps, adorned with gold and pink fringe on the toes, and an gemstone embellished high heel, I immediately fell head over heels (pun always intended…I can’t not.). If your inner child is also smitten for these pumps, you can feel really good about purchasing these $1,194 heels, as they are marked down from the original $1,190, so you’re technically saving $796. Well, just look at you, being all economical and such!

ROCHAS fringed sling back pumps, was ~~$1,990.00~~ now $1,194.00

What do you think of these Rochas fringed heels? Also, if you love Shoe Porn, be sure to check out the Shoe Porn Thursday archives for more high heel love.

SHOE PORN THURSDAY: Saint Laurent

Posted on August 20, 2015 by Trends & Tribulations

Hedi Slimane has been creating some controversy as designer of fashion house Saint Laurent, which instigated The Independent to write this article, which, in turn, caused New York Magazine‘s fashion component, The Cut, to write this refutation. If you’d rather look at pretty pictures than read all those big words, stay here, and check out Saint Laurent’s ‘babies’ Mid-Calf Boots, Americana-style. These silver-toned mid-calf boots are certainly appropriate for at least three occasions: Fashion Week, the 4th of July, and Texas (totally joking, ya’ll!). Pair ’em with some red or blue daisy dukes, or a sleek all-black ensemble.